The best replacement for char is varchar.

The best alternatives to char are rated as following:
★★★★★  varchar
★★★★  nchar
★★★  char
★★★  unsigned char
★★★  varchar2
★★★  string
★★  trout
★★  int
★  varchar sql
★  string c++
★  varchar mysql
★  zerus
★  kaldir
★  varchar performance
★  char*
★  byte
★  const char
★  amuro
  nvarchar
  zechs
  varchar sql server
  lauren
  dolly varden
  uint8_t
  varchar2 oracle
  varchar oracle
  byte java
  charr
  sydney
  byte oracle
  wchar_t

Your alternative for char is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about char, one probably shouldn't forget about scanner java.

Other search terms related to char and their ratings are:
★★★★★ scanner java
★★ malloc
You have in mind a companion for char and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of char in all years. Click on graph for more.
char
varchar
nchar